Ron from Virginia got that in his fortune cookie recently. “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Yea, a good thought to start out the day. And our day here looks like snow and Rho. We have this cold streak with the white stuff to go along with it. And in addition our friend from the warm place is visiting, Rho from San Diego.
There has been so much good material come in from our amigos y amigas from all over. I have been richly benefiting from all that. I am continually searching for clarity with our situation. We know that we are holding a jewel but just what is it? While we converse Catherine longtime Caminohead just emailed in a comment which I can share:
Good Morning Felipe,
I really enjoyed reading Cris’ post (Our Bureau Chief from Buenos Aries) about what we have figured out here at Caminoheads. It was such a thoughtful and well articulated response: once a pilgrim, forever a pilgrim; fellow pilgrims are a treasure; we are all connected. I am not sure how to add anything more without being repetitive. However, in the spirit of on-going dialogue, I will give it a go. Think of it as another lap around the trail.
Ever since the Camino it is easier to see everyone I meet, and know as a pilgrim, each carrying their own particular load. This point of view makes it easier to extend grace to people and situations that once before might have annoyed, confused or frightened me.
On the Camino it seemed effortless to simply be in the present moment. Here, there are so many distractions, competing engagements, never-ending “to do” lists that pre-occupy my mind. Walking with you reminds me to let all the other stuff go and come fully present. Like the other day when it was so cold and windy and we found that the little corner of field bathed in sunlight and protected from the wind by the hawthorn hedge. That bit of winter warmth was so welcome. We stopped talking and just stood in wonder and grateful silence for what seemed a long time. And then we just started walking again. Be open to miracles, even the tiniest ones.
Finally, I am growing ever more aware of the impermanence of things: relationships, situations, material goods, health, vitality – nothing escapes its eventual passing, and creation is on-going. Like the changing of the seasons, good fortune can slip into ruin, and ruin can be dissolved by kindness and suddenly appear as good fortune once again. We all come and we all will go, this state of mind makes every minute more valued. On the Camino we walked with some for a minute, with others for the whole way. I was surprised how important even those momentary companions became to my journey. When we walk and tapas here, whether on your trail or through the virtual landscape of this blog, we are moved, changed by the conversations, the comments, the time together.
OK that’s my two cents worth. Many blessings Felipe, Cris and all caminoheads everywhere.
Catherine
Yea, we are so rich! I have to go and make some things happen. Love, Felipe.
I would like to share with all Camino heads, and everyone else for that matter, a link to an OnBeing broadcast that somehow speaks to what is going on for us as pilgrims. I need to listen to it again with a notebook open as there are some great thoughts that go by fast.
Love to all of you,
Strong Back, Soft Front, Wild Heart with Brene Brown
https://onbeing.org/programs/brene-brown-strong-back-soft-front-wild-heart-feb2018/
Love it, Ron! I usually listen to the conversations more than once too!
I am a huge fun of the show!
Cris meet Ron, Ron meet Cris! Aren’t we doing great? Felipe.x
Catherine’s comments were spot on and a good reminder to be cognizant of those we meet and the burdens they might be carrying. Looking outwardly requires real intention!
I find as the weeks, months and years pass since my Camino I still crave that connection to both those Pilgrims I walked with and those I am yet to meet. In my heart I ache for that kind of connection to all those I know.
Missing you, Felipe and all our Phil’s Camino Gang!
Carol ~ we are getting down to the nitty gritty, yes? Right, we all crave that level of connectivity that we experienced. We come back and we say,”Where did it go?” We tasted something precious. Love you, Felipe.
Hola, Felipe!
Couldn’t let this one slip past, and knowing your multitude of other Pilgrim Amigos don’t have the “history” that you and I are privy to;, i.e.
“Sir, we’re Marines; the difficult we do immediately. The impossible just takes a little longer”.
Oooh Rah,
SF
PFJ
Juan ~ well, there is that! We are so fortunate to have that training seared into our being. It is not a thinking thing, it just is. Heal up Skipper. Felipe.
Hola Peregrinos,
Catherine mastered the conversation, I accept the praise for my comment, but the WOW should go to Catherine’s indeed… she brought up those things “behind the scenes”… We easily say we are “pilgrims”, but Catherine defined us so clearly… we came to terms with the load we carry (acceptance, first step to do something with it), we extend grace (oh, yes, tolerance is something I grew on!), and loved the piece of the impermanence of things… in that good way… we are pilgrims passing by, and the bit we can share with the other becomes the best we can do with the opportunity…
I think that as much Phil’s Camino was a way to walk to Santiago, Caminoheads these days is a wonderful trail to walk Lent…
Love you all always,
Cris
Cris ~ yes, let’s give Catherine a big Wow for her effort. I know that she thinks about this topic a lot. Sometimes there are no good words for any of this but we must try since we are trying to communicate. But we know it when we see it! Thanks Cris, thanks Catherine.
Another WOW! Catherine’s words are so powerful, and yet so gently expressed! I am going to “borrow” her sharings so I can relive them daily. Buen Camino, Jim